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Highlight: • The degenerative process plays a dual role, both protecting from and causing disc herniation. • Men have a quicker degeneration rate at a younger age, while women have a quicker rate at an older age. • Occupational factors such as physical workload, repetition, bending, and sitting periods all contribute to disc herniation. ABSTRACT Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) refers to a sensation of pain or discomfort occurring in the region between the lowest costal and gluteal crease, with or without leg pain. Damage to the annulus fibrosus causes disc herniation, allowing the nucleus pulposus to herniate into the spinal canal. In less than 5% of cases, LBP is caused by disc herniation. Objective: This study examined the profiles of individuals with herniated LBP discs and related factors at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya. Methods: The study was conducted at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya using secondary data from medical records, which was then analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Fifty-eight LBP patients with herniated discs were enrolled in this study. The patient sample ranged from 23 to 74 years old, with a mean of 47,98±14,92. The majority of patients (29.3%) were 31–40 years old. Male and female prevalence rates were the same. Employees have the highest percentage of any occupation group, with 56.9%. Conclusion: Some of the findings clarify previous studies. Age, gender, and occupation were all linked to the occurrence of either LBP or disc herniation. However, our data cannot indicate whether or not these factors contribute to the occurrence of LBP and disc herniation. Therefore, more research is required to understand these factors and their relation to disc herniation and LBP.

Purpose: This study provides empirical evidence on how a company's efforts to avoid paying taxes through its tax planning strategy affect its performance. Methodology/approach: This study is explanatory research and uses samples of the companies listed in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during the period 2015 to 2022 using a purposive sampling method. The analytical method used is the regression equation. Findings: The findings suggest that company carries out tax avoidance to streamline corporate tax payments to improve the company's financial performance. The company's actions in tax avoidance efforts have been proven to provide additional benefits for the company through the addition of cash flow. Practical and Theoretical contribution/Originality: This research contributes to theory and practice. First, this study provides empirical evidence of the agency theory regarding the efforts of company managers to meet investors' expectations through corporate tax planning strategies to maximize company’s financial performance. Second, this study guides companies in their efforts to implement tax planning, which positively impacts company performance by increasing company profits. Research Limitation: For further research, external factors that affect the company's financial performance can be added, such as political connections.

Abstract Geographic atrophy (GA) is a progressive degenerative disease that significantly contributes to visual impairment in individuals aged 50 years and older. The development of GA is influenced by various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, including age, smoking, and specific genetic variants, particularly those related to the complement system regulators. Given the multifactorial and complex nature of GA, several treatment approaches have been explored, such as complement inhibition, gene therapy, and cell therapy. The recent approval by the Food and Drug Administration of pegcetacoplan, a complement C3 inhibitor, marks a significant breakthrough as the first approved treatment for GA. Furthermore, numerous interventions are currently in phase II or III trials, alongside this groundbreaking development. In light of these advancements, this review provides a comprehensive overview of GA, encompassing risk factors, prevalence, genetic associations, and imaging characteristics. Additionally, it delves into the current landscape of GA treatment, emphasizing the latest progress and future considerations. The goal of starting this discussion is to ultimately identify the most suitable candidates for each therapy, highlight the importance of tailoring treatments to individual cases, and continue monitoring the long-term implications of these emerging interventions.

Objective: To cluster the diverse phenotypic features of Stargardt disease (STGD) using unsupervised clustering of multimodal retinal structure and function data. Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Subjects: Eyes of subjects with STGD and fundus autofluorescence (FAF), OCT, electroretinography (ERG), and microperimetry (MP) data available within 1 year of the baseline evaluation. Methods: A total of 46 variables from FAF, OCT, ERG, and MP results were recorded for subjects with STGD as defined per published criteria. Factor analysis of mixed data identified the most informative variables. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering and silhouette analysis identified the optimal number of clusters to classify multimodal phenotypes. Main Outcome Measures: Phenotypic clusters of STGD subjects and the corresponding cluster features. Results: We included 52 subjects and 102 eyes with a mean visual acuity (VA) at the time of multimodal testing of 0.69 ± 0.494 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (20/63 Snellen). We identified 4 clusters of eyes. Compared to the other clusters, cluster 1 (n = 16) included younger subjects, VA greater than that of clusters 2 and 3, normal or moderately low total macular volume (TMV), greater preservation of scotopic and photopic ERG responses and fixation stability, less atrophy, and fewer flecks. Cluster 2 (n = 49) differed from cluster 1 mainly with less atrophy and relatively stable fixation. Cluster 3 (n = 10) included older subjects than clusters 1 and 2 and showed the lowest VA, TMV, ERG responses, and fixation stability, with extensive atrophy. Cluster 4 (n = 27) showed better VA, TMV similar to clusters 1 and 2, moderate ERG activity, stable fixation, and moderate-high atrophy and flecks. Conclusions: Reflecting the phenotypic complexity of STGD, an unsupervised clustering approach incorporating phenotypic measures can be used to categorize STGD eyes into distinct clusters. The clusters exhibit differences in structural and functional measures including quantity of flecks, extent of retinal atrophy, visual fixation accuracy, and ERG responses, among other features. If novel pharmacologic, gene, or cell therapy modalities become available in the future, the multimodal phenomap approach may be useful to individualize treatment decisions, and its utility in aiding prognostication requires further evaluation. Financial Disclosure(s): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

AbstractThis study examines corporate tax aggressiveness captured by agency problem type 3. The results show that there are negative relations between corporate governance and tax aggressiveness. The findings provide evidence of agency conflicts between companies and tax authorities. A corporate governance mechanism can improve the quality of corporate financial reporting. The result also illustrates how corporate governance affects the actions of corporate tax aggressiveness at various levels by using regression quantile analysis. It is believed that corporate companies with high levels of aggressiveness will make the mechanism of corporate governance in the company to be more effective.

Abstract Taxane‐based chemotherapy regimens are used as first‐line treatment for breast cancer. Neurotoxicity, mainly taxane‐induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN), remains the most important dose‐limiting adverse event. Multiple genes may be associated with TIPN; however, the strength and direction of the association remain unclear. For this reason, we systematically reviewed observational studies of TIPN pharmacogenetic markers in breast cancer treatment. We conducted a systematic search of terms alluding to breast cancer, genetic markers, taxanes, and neurotoxicity in Ovid, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, Virtual Health, and Web of Science. We assessed the quality of evidence and bias profile. We extracted relevant variables and effect measures. Whenever possible, we performed random‐effects gene meta‐analyses and examined interstudy heterogeneity with meta‐regression models and subgroup analyses. This study follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) and STrengthening the REporting of Genetic Association Studies (STREGA) reporting guidance. A total of 42 studies with 19,431 participants were included. These evaluated 262 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 121 genes. We conducted meta‐analyses on 23 genes with 60 SNPs (19 studies and 6246 participants). Thirteen individual SNPs (ABCB1‐rs2032582, ABCB1‐rs3213619, BCL6/‐rs1903216, /CAND1‐rs17781082, CYP1B1‐rs1056836, CYP2C8‐rs10509681, CYP2C8‐rs11572080, EPHA5‐rs7349683, EPHA6‐rs301927, FZD3‐rs7001034, GSTP1‐rs1138272, TUBB2A‐rs9501929, and XKR4‐rs4737264) and the overall SNPs' effect in four genes (CYP3A4, EphA5, GSTP1, and SLCO1B1) were statistically significantly associated with TIPN through meta‐analysis. In conclusion, through systematic review and meta‐analysis, we found that polymorphisms, and particularly 13 SNPs, are associated with TIPN, suggesting that genetics does play a role in interindividual predisposition. Further studies could potentially use these findings to develop individual risk profiles and guide decision making.

The development of electric vehicles has been becoming a global trend to tackle worsening air pollution. The rich mineral country desires to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) through transportation transformation by building a domestic-based battery vehicle industry. The policy resulted in importing export restrictions on nickel ore and bauxite by the Indonesian government. However, the measures are inconsistent with Article XI.1 of the GATT rules, which forbid imposing restrictions on the global market. There are cases in WTO DSB deciding that export restrictions infringe the provision, such as in China – Raw Materials (DS394) and China – Rare Earth (DS431) cases. In such cases, adjudicators also do not justify the imposition of export duties for the members. Meanwhile, Article XI.1 does not prohibit the imposition of export duties as another option to impose export restraints. The Indonesian authority could apply the measures. This Article analyses Indonesia's justification for imposing export control through the GATT rules. The research is conducted based on a normative juridical approach in which the sources come from the rules of GATT and its DSB decision to analyse the extent to which the measures are allowed to take into force for the member regarding the GATT provisions. The Article finds that Indonesia may be justified in the imposition of export duties to control the export of both raw materials. Article XI.1 of GATT justifies the original and accepted members to impose the duties measures as there are unclear provisions on export prohibition, which means Indonesia could enforce the charge of duties implicitly.

AbstractIn the text world, texts are in discourse with earlier and later texts. Signs, which are considered as one of the most powerful elements of the literary language of the "textual world", are constantly creating meaning in the process of companionship. In intertextual discourse and the absence of the author, there is no single interpretation of the text and no beginning to the text and its destination is invisible. It is only intertwined layers of text and audience readings, a reading which leads to creating innumerable meanings due to the nature of written texts. Barthes makes it possible for emerging the meaning through announcing the symbolic death of the author, as he found that the existence of the author always carries presuppositions which call the text to be judged; however, however, the literary work provides the possibility of objectifying meanings in the audience's sensory perception in the absence of the subject in a way that is inherent in literary language.

Background: The majority of suicide deaths occur in men. Men are also less likely to receive formal mental health services prior to dying by suicide compared to women. Identifying correlates of non-receipt of services among men at risk of suicide may aid the development of tailored interventions and service pathways. Methods: A total of 415 Australian men experiencing past-year suicidal ideation were recruited online to complete a cross-sectional survey between July-October 2021. The survey consisted of questions assessing participants’ help-seeking, demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and individual-level characteristics. Bivariate analysis and a stepwise logistic regression analysis were used to identify correlates of service non-receipt. Results: 42.4% of participants had not received formal mental health services in the past year, as determined by responses on the Actual Help-Seeking Questionnaire. Past year non-receipt of formal mental health services correlated with the absence of a diagnosed mental health and/or substance use disorder, the absence of past year suicide plans, the absence of interpersonal support, lower perceived need for support, and usage of certain coping styles. Limitations: Limitations included the use of a convenience sample, and a predominantly middle-aged, Caucasian sample. Conclusion: Aside from showing lower severity of suicidality, men at risk of suicide who are not receiving mental health services are not vastly different from those who are receiving such services. The correlation between severity of suicidality and non-receipt of services highlights the need for early intervention, potentially via non-traditional settings, such as workplaces.

This examination to discover the pattern of research publications on tax evasion issues. This article aims to unveil and to map research trends in tax evasion issues. By using bibliometric approach, all research publications related to tax evasion issues in the online Scopus database were analyzed. The authorship, number of citations, journal sources, institutions, and countries, were examined. The result showed that the number publications in this area are still dominated by western countries (USA is the most influential country in research publication related to tax evasion issues). It is believed that research funding factors became one of the factors why the Western countries still dominate the number of publications nowadays. The results of this study also conclude that the issue of tax evasion are becoming more popular among academics within the area of the taxation. In addition, this study reveals that the development of research publications in this area is growing.

This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis on peer-to-peer lending literature published in Scopus indexed journals from an economic and business perspective. The data were processed and analyzed using VOSviewer software. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that conducts a bibliometric analysis of the peer-to-peer lending literature using VOSviewer. The results of study showed the most popular authors, countries, organizations and keywords. Moreover, this study also discovered trending topics from recent publications. A direct benefit of this study is to provide input for stakeholders, businessmen and investors to identify important issues regarding peer-to-peer lending and directions for further researchers.

Using a thermal camera, the aim of the study was to determine pulp chamber temperature changes during orthodontic bonding produced as a result of variations in curing light sources, different curing distances and bracket types.

This research is a product development research of Flipbook-Based E-Module. Flipbook-based E-Modules can be interpreted as module teaching materials that are displayed using electronic media. This research aims to produce Flipbook-based E-Module products that meet practical and effective criteria. This study aims to develop a flipbook-based E-Module product using the Canva application and determine its feasibility (content components, language components, and presentation quality components), attractiveness and convenience as well as its effectiveness on students' concept understanding on chapter 7 subchapter material on buying and selling activities as one of the completions. This study also aims to determine the benefits of applying E-Modules for students in achieving completeness. The research approach used is a combination of one-group pretest-posttest design and ADDIE. The results showed that the development of flipbook-based E-Modules for learning social studies chapter 7 sub chapter c buying and selling activities as one of the fulfillment of the needs of fourth grade students of SD Katholik Don Bosko 1 Kupang has a quality achievement qualification obtained from the calculation of the average level of product validity of 84.75% with very valid qualifications, the level of media practicality of 87.95% with very practical qualifications, and the level of media effectiveness of 85% with very high/effective qualifications.

This research is a type of descriptive research with a quantitative approach, with sampling using cluster sampling technique. The purpose of this research is to see the ability of prospective physics teachers in preparing TPACK-based learning tools. The results obtained on the ability of Content Knowledge (CK) were at a score of 52.66 in the sufficient category, the ability of Pedagogical Knowledge (PK) was at a score of 56 in the sufficient category, the ability of Technological Knowledge (TK) with a score of 83 in the excellent category, Technological Content Knowledge (TCK) with a score of 84 in the excellent category, Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK) with a score of 85 in the excellent category, Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) with a category of 83.33 and Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) with a score of 80 in the excellent category.

Pediatric vision screening detects children at risk for visual conditions with the goal of connecting those in need with an eye care provider for evaluation and treatment. The primary aim for vision screening in younger children is the detection of those at risk for amblyopia, which can result in irreversible vision loss if left untreated. In older children, screening goals broaden to include the detection of risk for uncorrected refractive error. In the United States, professional organization guidelines and state-mandated requirements for vision screening vary widely across both the timing and components of screening. In this article, we describe the goals and components of pediatric vision screenings, current challenges, novel approaches to providing follow-up services through school-based vision programs, and future directions.

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare, sporadic neurocutaneous disorder, primarily characterized by port-wine stain (PWS) over the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve (V1) territory (hallmark feature) and glaucoma (in 30–60% of cases). Other ocular manifestations include episcleral involvement of the PWS, choroidal vascular malformations, and iris heterochromia. Two previous reports also associated ectopia lentis concomitantly among these cases. However, here we report spherophakia as a novel ophthalmological finding in SWS. A 56-year-old female previously diagnosed with SWS presented to the outpatient clinic complaining of right-sided decreased visual acuity and pain after a fall. Phenotypically, the patient had a PWS around V1 territory and involvement of both eyelids. Previous relevant ocular history included retinal detachment without macular involvement, ocular hypertension, and phacodonesis. The slit-lamp examination showed anterior lens luxation and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) of 40 mm Hg by tonometry. Prior to the surgical approach, the patient received hypotensive treatment for elevated IOP. After intracapsular lens extraction, measurements were consistent with spherophakia. Postoperatively, the patient underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT). There was cystic macular edema (CME) by OCT and a detached posterior hyaloid membrane. The patient fully recovered with topical treatment of bromfenac for CME. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of concomitant anterior lens luxation and spherophakia (novel association) in a SWS patient. Our findings supplement the differential ocular diagnoses in SWS and should be considered in the routine ocular exam, specifically of the anterior segment. CME occurred similar to otherwise healthy eyes. However, in this case, topical anti-inflammatory medications had a good response and were well-tolerated.

This study examines the phenomenon of corporate tax aggressiveness in Indonesia. The meta-analysis technique is used to find conclusions about the trends of similar research that have been studied. The sample of this study is 22 published articles for quantitative and qualitative analysis. The results of the meta-analysis show that corporate governance (independent commissioners, audit committees, and audit quality) and company characteristics (leverage, firm size, and profitability) influence tax aggressiveness. Significant statistical test results have not been able to provide conclusions regarding the phenomenon of tax aggressiveness, because there is no researcher who clearly explains which agency theory is used to explain the phenomenon of research. Agency theory includes whole participant relations in business. It is necessary to have a clear agency theory identification so that there is no mistake in determining the solution to the problem under study. Error making theory as a basis for problem solving in research will lead to problem solving that is not appropriate. Researchers have a tendency not to convey research results that are inconsistent or insignificant with previous studies. This is why meta-analysis techniques are difficult to use.

47, XYY syndrome affects males with variable phenotypic expression. Around 80–99% of affected individuals present low-set ears, malar flattening, motor delay, and tall stature. Yet, some cases lack signs or symptoms or are barely noticeable. There are four reports of ocular involvement among these individuals – one with unusual multiple retinal atrophic holes in the posterior pole, other with coloboma, an association with morning glory syndrome, and a case of congenital cataract. Here, we describe a plausible new ocular sign in a 4-year-old male with 47, XYY syndrome who was brought to the outpatient clinic for vision loss. After a complete assessment, we diagnosed a right-sided phacomorphic glaucoma and microspherophakia treated with phacoemulsification and aspiration with posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy, followed by an Ahmed valve implant for intraocular pressure control. Even though there is a low prevalence of ocular involvement in 47, XYY syndrome cases, this might reflect the rarity of the full expression of the disease leading to an underdiagnosis, added to the scarcity of cases. Microspherophakia and phacomorphic glaucoma among four others previously reported ocular findings could be looked for in 47, XYY syndrome patients.

In order to achieve holistic urban plans incorporating transport infrastructure, public space and the behavior of people in these spaces, integration of urban design and computer modeling is a promising way to provide both qualitative and quantitative support to decision-makers. This paper describes a systematic literature review following a four-part framework. Firstly, to understand the relationship of elements of transport, spaces, and humans, we review policy and urban design strategies for promoting positive interactions. Secondly, we present an overview of the integration methods and strategies used in urban design and policy discourses. Afterward, metrics and approaches for evaluating the effectiveness of integrated plan alternatives are reviewed. Finally, this paper gives a review of state-of-the-art tools with a focus on seven computer simulation paradigms. This article explores mechanisms underlying the complex system of transport, spaces, and humans from a multidisciplinary perspective to provide an integrated toolkit for designers, planners, modelers and decision-makers with the current methods and their challenges. Keywords: Transport infrastructure, Public space, Human behavior, Integrated design, Decision support, Computer simulation

Background: Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Aloe) extract was found to be well-tolerated, safe and showed beneficial effects in subsets of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients in two randomized, double-blind, controlled studies. However, the individual studies were underpowered to perform subgroup analyses. We therefore determined the effect of Aloe extract in IBS subgroups in a post hoc analysis combining the results from the two studies. Methods: Data from the two controlled studies comparing Aloe and control treatment taken orally for 4 weeks, were pooled. Both studies included IBS patients fulfilling the ROME III criteria and IBS Symptom Severity Score (IBS-SSS) was assessed. We analysed the effect of Aloe extract on IBS symptom severity and the proportion of responders (IBS-SSS reduction ⩾ 50) in IBS subgroups. Results: In total, 213 IBS patients were included in the post hoc subgroup analyses. A reduction in overall symptom severity, primarily driven by effect on pain severity and frequency, comparing baseline versus end of treatment, was recorded in IBS patients with diarrhoea (IBS-D) receiving Aloe ( n = 38, p

This research study is a technology-enhanced flipped learning pilot to observe the students’ engagement and learning in a self-regulated class through their individual feedback. Flipped learning was applied to a segment of the Study Skills course for more than two weeks to 129 students in the foundation year of a Teachers’ College in Bahrain. Divided across four sections, the students worked in small groups, prepared an assigned portion of the course content provided through a Learning Management System (LMS), and presented it to the rest of the class. Students used posters, flash cards, and digital technology in different forms such as PowerPoint slides, mobile phones, and Kahoot!. The reflective individual student responses on this experience were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings show a favourable response to group work, sharing ideas, saving time through collaboration, and use of technology. It is recommended that the study be extended to a larger sample group, to a larger number of the course topics, and include the use of different technology forms.

Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Aloe) is used for diverse therapeutic properties including immunomodulation. However, owing to the compositionally complex nature of Aloe, bioactive component(s) responsible for its beneficial properties, though thought to be attributed to polysaccharides (acemannan), remain unknown. We therefore aimed to determine the metabolite composition of various commercial Aloe extracts and assess their effects on human blood T cell activity in vitro. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy donors were stimulated polyclonally in presence or absence of various Aloe extracts. T cell phenotype and proliferation were investigated by flow cytometry. Aloe extracts were analyzed using targeted 1H-NMR spectroscopy for standard phytochemical quality characterization and untargeted gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for metabolite profiling. Aloe extracts differing in their standard phytochemical composition had varying effects on T cell activation, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell-death in vitro, although this was not related to the acemannan content. Furthermore, each Aloe extract had its own distinct metabolite profile, where extracts rich in diverse sugar and sugar-derivatives were associated with reduced T cell activity. Our results demonstrate that all commercial Aloe extracts are unique with distinct metabolite profiles, which lead to differential effects on T cell activity in vitro, independent of the acemannan content.

La compétence en Simulations de la Performance Energétique (SPE) est un atout fondamental pour un architecte. Être capable de lire des résultats de simulation et d’adapter sa conception en conséquence est devenu une capacité essentielle chez les architectes diplômés. Cependant, enseigner la SPE aux étudiants peut être difficile, souvent en raison de la complexité des logiciels et des méthodes, mais aussi de la multitude des informations qui entrent en jeu. Afin de sensibiliser au rôle des outils BIM dans l’amélioration de la performance énergétique, cet article propose et expérimente une approche d’optimisation simplifiée basée sur trois différentes méthodes de simulation. L’expérimentation de ces méthodes a démontré leur capacité à guider la prise de décision vers une conception plus performante et plus respectueuse de son environnement et a suggéré une expérimentation future plus globale de l’approche proposée.

Background and study aims Alterations to interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and collagen fibrosis have been implicated in the pathogenesis of gastroparesis. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of pyloric muscle sampling during gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) and the association between pyloric ICC density and degree of fibrosis with clinical outcomes. Patients and methods This was a single-center prospective study of gastroparetic patients who underwent G-POEM and intraprocedural pyloric muscle biopsies between January 2022 and April 2023. ICC count was estimated using CD117 stain and trichome for collagen fibrosis. Clinical response to G-POEM was defined as an improvement of ≥ 1 point on the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index. Results Fifty-six patients (median age 60 years, 71.4% women) underwent G-POEM (100% technical success; 71.4% clinical response). ICC depletion (< 10/high-power field) and fibrosis were encountered in 70.4% and 75% of the cases, respectively. There was no difference in mean ICC count between G-POEM responders vs. non-responders (7±3.6 vs. 7.7±3.3; P = 0.9). There was no association between ICC density or degree of fibrosis with the etiology of gastroparesis, duration of symptoms, gastric emptying rate, or pyloric impedance planimetry. Patients who did not respond to G-POEM had a significantly higher degree of moderate/severe fibrosis when compared with those who responded (81.3% vs. 25%; P = 0.0002). Conclusions Pyloric muscle biopsies during G-POEM was feasible and safe. ICC depletion and pyloric muscle fibrosis are common in gastroparetic patients. The degree of fibrosis may be related to pyloric dysfunction and clinical response to G-POEM. Additional studies are needed to confirm these results.

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are suggested to have an altered intestinal microenvironment. We therefore aimed to determine the intestinal microenvironment profile, based on faecal microbiota and metabolites, and the potential link to symptoms in IBS patients. The faecal microbiota was evaluated by the GA-mapTM dysbiosis test, and tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used for faecal metabolomic profiling in patients with IBS and healthy subjects. Symptom severity was assessed using the IBS Severity Scoring System and anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A principal component analysis based on faecal microbiota (n = 54) and metabolites (n = 155) showed a clear separation between IBS patients (n = 40) and healthy subjects (n = 18). Metabolites were the main driver of this separation. Additionally, the intestinal microenvironment profile differed between IBS patients with constipation (n = 15) and diarrhoea (n = 11), while no clustering was detected in subgroups of patients according to symptom severity or anxiety. Furthermore, ingenuity pathway analysis predicted amino acid metabolism and several cellular and molecular functions to be altered in IBS patients. Patients with IBS have a distinct faecal microbiota and metabolite profile linked to bowel habits. Intestinal microenvironment profiling, based on faecal microbiota and metabolites, may be considered as a future non-invasive diagnostic tool, alongside providing valuable insights into the pathophysiology of IBS.

The utilization of the maritime sector potential in Banten Province needs to be carried out professionally and comprehensively so that it can encourage sustainable economic development in Banten Province. This article discusses the potential and strategy for developing a maritime-based economic potential in Banten Province. Banten Province applies three approaches in achieving sustainable development, namely economic, socio-cultural and environmental aspects as a whole. The three approaches need to be derived in the form of goals and objectives so that a big vision of the sustainable development of Banten Province can be achieved. In the maritime sector, the programs and indicators that have been developed in measuring the achievements set out in the Regional Development Work Plan (RKPD) 2018 have alluded to these three aspects. However, there needs to be a review of strategies and policies to achieve the goals of sustainable development in the maritime sector. Therefore, the preparation of the Banten Province Maritime-Based Economic Development must be carried out to support the Banten Province's medium-term development plan from 2018-2022

This study aimed to investigating the impact of project-based learning strategy on action research skills of Jordanian basic school students in light of some variables while teaching the unite of "Water". Semi-experimental design was used on a sample of 9th grade female students distributed in experimental group of (40) and a control group of (40), an action research skills scale was applied (pre-post). The results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the two means of the post-measurement of action research skills in favor of the experimental group with effect size of (30.20%) indicated by the value of the squared eta ([eta-squared]). And significant differences between the means of action research skills attributed to the level of achievement with size effect of (%7.80) in favor of high and medium achievers. Also, there are no statistically significant differences between the means of the post-measurement of action research skills due to the variables (future streaming trends, the interaction between the teaching method and the level of achievement, and the interaction between the teaching method and future streaming trends). It's recommended to activating project-based learning strategy in teaching different science curricula, and examine same variables in different grades levels.